Magnificent Europe (Impression)

Magnificent Europe (Impression)

38 Views
15 Days From

$8222

$6146

Magnificent Europe (Impression)

15 Days

Visiting: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation), Cologne, Germany, Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Miltenberg, Würzburg, Volkach, Bamberg, Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg, Regensburg, Linz, Austria, Vienna, Budapest, Hungary, Budapest (Disembarkation), Europe

Tour operator:

Avalon Waterways

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $8222 $6146 Operator discount: -$2076 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

From Amsterdam to Budapest, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is Holland’s lively capital—both historical and modern. This colorful city is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany for a guided city walk in Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rudesheim. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Wurzburg, Volkach, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, and sail the Main Danube Canal, which connects the Main and Danube Rivers. Your first stop in Austria is the lovely town of Melk. Visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Your local experts will also introduce you to two capital cities: Vienna, Austria, also known as “The City of Music” for inspiring the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss; and lively Budapest, Hungary, with its unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a river cruise to remember!

Highlights

  • Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

  • Day 2 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or off-the-beaten path walking tour

  • Day 3 Cologne: Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 4 Rhine Gorge-Rudesheim: Scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host

  • Day 5 Miltenberg: Guided walk

  • Day 6 Wurzburg: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop's Residence

  • Day 7 Volkach: Choice of walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 8 Bamberg: Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host

  • Day 9 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: Choice of guided tour in Roth, or guided tour in Nuremberg, or hike with your Adventure Host, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard lecture

  • Day 10 Regensburg: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Show all

Places You'll See

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Westcord Jakarta

Intercontinental Budapest

Movenpick Amsterdam City

Westcord Jakarta

Intercontinental Budapest

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam,Holland (Embarkation)

Location: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Meals Included: Dinner


AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

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AMSTERDAM-CANAL.jpg

Day 2: Amsterdam

Location: Amsterdam

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AMSTERDAM Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

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AMSTERDAM-CANAL-CRUISE.jpg

Day 3: Cologne,Germany

Location: Cologne, Germany

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR;
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
COLOGNE, GERMANY Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure, OR;

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR;

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

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COLOGNE-BEER.jpg

Day 4: Rhine Gorge,Rüdesheim

Location: Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.


RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG

(B,L,D)

RUDESHEIM-COFFEE.jpg

Day 5: Miltenberg

Location: Miltenberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.

MILTENBERG Beauty on the Main River

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.

Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the Main River shores.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

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MILTENBERG.jpg

Day 6: Würzburg

Location: Würzburg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

WÜRZBURG A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

Enjoy the city on your own or visit a local winery.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG

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WURZBURG.jpg

Day 7: Volkach

Location: Volkach

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
VOLKACH Storybook Settings

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.

Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity.

ACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)

VOLKACH.jpg

Day 8: Bamberg

Location: Bamberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.


BAMBERG The City of Seven Hills

ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.

Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

(B,L,D)

BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg

Day 9: Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg

Location: Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG Legends and History Lessons

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR;

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(B,L,D)

NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg

Day 10: Regensburg

Location: Regensburg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

REGENSBURG Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.

Alternatively, spend free time exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

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REGENSBURG.jpg

Day 11: Linz,Austria

Location: Linz, Austria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
PASSAU Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

You may join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz.

LINZ, AUSTRIA

Legendary, Lovely Linz

This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

(B,L,D)

PASSAU.jpg

Day 12: Vienna

Location: Vienna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

MELK–WACHAU VALLEY Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk., OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon.

VIENNA

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

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MELK-ABBEY.jpg

Day 13: Vienna

Location: Vienna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
VIENNA Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg family or choose a Guided Optional Excursion to fascinating Bratislava.

Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby.

Later, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

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VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg

Day 14: Budapest,Hungary

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY The Pearl of the Danube

This morning, while sailing into Budapest, enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Sky Deck.

ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

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BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg

Day 15: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Location: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Meals Included: Breakfast


BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Rivers

Danube|Main|Rhine

Accommodation

Amsterdam:Movenpick Amsterdam City
Amsterdam:Westcord Jakarta
Budapest:InterContinental Budapest

Check out our Q&As

  • Cuisine

    All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.

  • Cruise Director

    A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.

  • What about young travellers and children?

    In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

  • What are single room supplements?

    For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.

  • Clothing & Dress Code

    Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

  • When will I receive my digital travel documents?

    Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.

  • Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?

    Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.

  • Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?

    Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.

  • Internet Access

    All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

  • Onboard Language

    The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Reviews of this operator

Kristina McGuire  

Rhône river from Carmargue to Lyon

07-Jul-2023

I am in my 70’s And travelled with my son who is in his mid 30’s. We both had different experiences and many shared ones. We both agree that the Avalon cruise on the Rhone was a great experience. The crew,without exception, was friendly and helpful, the accommodation comfortable and food and wine, delicious. We both gained a lot from our daily shore based experiences,learning about many facets of France, history, culture, economy, farming, industry and the great and varied beauty. I definitely felt my experience extended me in many ways and my son did too. Highly recommend a cruise. Thank you

Trustpilot
MaryEllen Ferderber  

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle from Luxembourg to Frankfurt

07-Jul-2023

8 day active and discovery on the Moselle. Fabulous itinerary and well selected guides. The scenery and weather June 4th, were perfect. Katy, our cruise director was outstanding and well organized. Bitak, the activity host was wonderful, very personable, and helpful. Really all the staff were very professional, kind, and ready to make our vacation a trip of a life time. The chef, Michael I believe was 5 star! Can’t wait to book another river cruise.

Trustpilot
Fernand Baillargeon  

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

17-Mar-2023

The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.

Trustpilot
Larry Preston Omo   Portugal

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany (Tranquility II)

14-Dec-2023

This tour with Avalon was our first river boat cruise. Overall we enjoyed the experience. The ship was very nice, the crew was terrific and the food was good and presented very well. Our room was fine and the cleaning staff did a remarkable job. We enjoyed all of the excursions and the beautiful German towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg - what a delightful place. We appreciate all of the assistance Tourhub provided prior to our trip. We will continue to use your services. Thanks for everything.

Bob K  

1st River Cruise Exceeded Expectations

07-Aug-2023

My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 23, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026
$8323 $6766

Operator discount: -$1557

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 18, 2026 - Sep 01, 2026
$8222 $6146

Operator discount: -$2076

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026
$8222 $6665

Operator discount: -$1557

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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